Latino Action Network Condemns Kim Guadagno’s Anti-Immigrant TV Advertisement and Debate Statement

NEWARK- Gubernatorial candidate Kim Guadagno released a TV ad last night reiterating her statement from the first gubernatorial debate referring to undocumented immigrants as “murderers and rapists”, using disparaging language like that of Donald Trump. The Latino Action Network publicly condemned Guadagno’s comments.

“Phil Murphy was very clear in the debate that he condemns murderous acts committed by anyone and that the people who commit those crimes should be prosecuted,” said Chris Estevez, President of the Latino Action Network. “Guadagno’s Trump-like approach paints all immigrants and Latinos as murderers and rapists.”

“Studies show that immigrants have been less likely than the native born to be criminals,” said Rudy Rodas, LAN Immigration Committee Chair. “Like other law abiding New Jerseyans, immigrants contribute to our economy and are integral members of our communities.”

Rodas also stated that “Programs that deputize local police to carry out federal immigration enforcement, like that instituted by Kim Guadagno when she served as Sherriff of Monmouth County, make communities less safe since law abiding immigrants are less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police investigations when they fear that they will also be detained.

“We have faith that New Jersey voters are intelligent people who won’t fall for Kim Guadagno’s Donald Trump impersonation and her hateful and divisive speech toward immigrants.” concluded Estevez.

LAN is a broad, statewide coalition of Latino organizations dedicated to political empowerment, the promotion of civil rights, and the elimination of disparities in the areas of education, health, and employment. It was founded in 2009.